Maybe another model or brand is better suited to your tastes.

 

There MUST be something wrong with the vehicle you drove. The 550i sport is a beast!

 

As mentioned previously, there is a lot of throttle distance, which allows you to have a pretty smooth acceleration range if you like. Also, the V-8 is a lot heavier than the 6, so it just depends if you want the massive torque or more agility.

The V-8's really start to sing above 3000 RPM. If you do get it, do the Dinan cold air intake and Throttle body modification. It is magic at 3000 RPM, it almost feels like a turbo kicking in.

On the manual, there is a Clutch Delay Valve, which can make sharp shifts rather difficult. This coupled with a very tall first gear, can make it sluggish out of the whole unless you have some RPM going. In fact an auto can feel much faster, if you lug the engine. On the freeway, I rarely have to downshift as I can pull in 6th gear. But even doing 65, if I want to get up and go, you really have to drop it down to 3rd to get that shot.

Lastly, make sure you have the traction control off, as it is very easy to get a wheel slip from 1st to 2nd, which really takes the wind out of it's sails when it cuts the fuel off.

It is a heavy car, and not going to be like driving something small, but when you lay into it, it's torque is really nice.

 

Really? I've tried to get wheel spin in my 550 with traction control on and off with no dice? What am I doing wrong? I agree the car isn't sluggish, but it's not always the beast it should be either.

 

Auto, SMG or Manual? If you have an Auto, I am not sure about that. Maybe the Auto's are programed for a smooth shift transition.

If you have a manual, then it could be a shift problem, car problem or CDV possibly. Mine will slip every time I shift from 1st to 2nd under hard throttle (shifting at about 5-6k) even with 285/35/19's on the rear. With traction control on, it feels like you take your foot off the accelerator. With it off, I don't necessarily hear anything. I usually forget to take it off, so I just get the engine cutting out.

BTW - I really like the looks of the 167's you have.

 

 

I thought the 525i had 184 hp.... not 215?

 

I think almost all the 5 series have a slight delay in throttle response. Perhaps with the exception of the M5. Probably the reason why Sprint Booster is so popular with the members of this forum.

 

Hmmm. My experience was a lot different. I went on three test drives with a salesperson who also likes to flog cars.

I drove a MT twice and a SAT once. Sure they are heavy (to be expected) but they are plenty quick with nice torque and power band. They handle extremely well for a large sedan with a big V8. Better than anything else in the category. I liked the MT overall.

Handle worse than a 525? I think it's more psychological than real world in terms of that weight difference.

When I had the car up there and driving it hard, it performed admirably. It will move. You need to try again. Handling-wise, it's not a 135, for certain. If one needs truly nimble, then get out of a large sedan period. The 550 is not a "sports car" and neither is the 525.

But I'd take it over the other 5ers any day of the year.

The throw from 1st to second is long but that can be fixed easily along with a clutch delay replacement (thanks to a member here for the fix) and a Sprint Booster will help get rid of that drive by wire feel.

It's a comfortable sedan that has plenty of power for public road driving, and can be flogged around in the canyons for grins, too.

Maybe you're trying to internally rationalize owning the 525 .....

 

I returned my 525 under lemon law due to auto transmission leak... That's why I test drove 550.
550 was heavy and clutch was also heavy.

First impression is important. Will test agin when I have a chance. Until then a manual 528 (or used 530) would be my choice.